Hockey Stick Having Splayed Blade

ABSTRACT

A hockey stick blade is splayed so as to provide two curved surfaces that are disposed oppositely with respect to one another. By providing two opposed curved surfaces, the hockey stick blade of the present invention provides the advantages of blade curvature for forehand shots and passes, as well as for backhand shots and passes. The problems of inaccuracy and instability that can result from backhand shooting or passing are thereby minimized or eliminated. The area between the opposed curved surfaces can optionally be filled in.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sports equipment, and moreparticularly, to an improved hockey stick.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hockey is a fast-moving team sport in which players use sticks tocontrol a puck or ball. The players attempt to shoot the puck or ballinto the opposing team's net, while preventing the opposing team fromscoring.

Many forms of hockey exist, including for example: ice hockey, in whichthe players skate on an ice surface; field hockey, which is played ongravel, grass, or artificial turf; street hockey, played on a hardsurface such as a street; roller hockey, in which the players skate onroller skates; floor hockey, played in a gymnasium or other indoorlocation; and the like. Depending on the particular type of hockey beingplayed, the game can be played with a ball, rubber puck, or otherobject.

Hockey sticks can be made of any of a number of different materials,such as wood, aluminum, Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber, othercomposite materials, and/or any combination thereof.

Each player's hockey stick typically includes a shaft and a blade,although the particular configuration of the stick varies depending onthe type of hockey being played. In general, the shaft of the stick is along, straight upper portion, while the blade is a flattened lowersection that may be oriented at an angle with respect to the shaft. Theplayer grips the stick by the shaft, while the blade is used to maneuverthe puck/ball along the playing surface. The particular dimensions ofthe stick and its components can vary widely, depending on variousfactors such as the type of hockey being played, as well as playerheight and personal preference. For example, for ice hockey, the shaftis typically between about 46″ to 63″, and the blade is typically about12″ long. The blade is typically oriented at an angle with respect tothe shaft, for example at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

For some forms of hockey, such as ice hockey, many players prefer acurved blade, as it allows for a faster and more accurate passes andshots, and makes it easier for a player to elevate the puck/ball whentaking a shot at the net. A curved blade also makes it easier for aplayer to put a spin on the puck; this imparts greater stability to thepuck while it is in motion. Some players apply cloth tape to the blade,so as to add adhesion and to help the puck spin. The degree of curvatureis subject to individual preference, and many players manually curvetheir blade by heating and shaping it. The degree to which sticks may becurved can vary, depending on the type of hockey being played, leaguerules, and other factors.

One problem with curved blades, however, is that they only provide anadvantage for forehand shots and passes. Backhand shots and passes,where the puck/ball is propelled by the back side of the blade (i.e.,the side opposite that of the direction of curvature), do not benefitfrom curvature, and indeed may be made more difficult by the curvature.Blade curvature may also make stick-handling more difficult, as suchstick-handling usually involves alternately controlling the puck withopposite sides of the blade, thus forcing the player to contend with theunpredictability of the puck/ball's motion as it comes into contact withthe back side of the blade. The greater the degree of curvature, thegreater the problems such curvature may cause for backhand shots and/orfor stick-handling.

What is needed, therefore, is a hockey stick that provides theadvantages of a curved blade, but limits or eliminates thedisadvantages. What is further needed is a hockey stick that providesthe advantages of a curved blade for both forehand and backhand shots.What is further needed is a hockey stick that addresses theabove-described limitations of existing sticks, and that is easy to useby both novice and experienced hockey players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a hockey stick blade that is splayed so as toprovide two curved surfaces that are disposed oppositely with respect toone another. By providing two opposed curved surfaces, the hockey stickblade of the present invention provides the advantages of bladecurvature for forehand shots and passes, as well as for backhand shotsand passes. The problems of inaccuracy and instability that can resultfrom backhand shooting or passing are thereby minimized or eliminated.Thus, the hockey stick blade of the present invention provides playerswith improved accuracy, shot speed, and puck stability for backhandshots and passes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthe drawings, and their accompanying descriptions, are merely exemplaryof particular implementations of the present invention, and that otherembodiments can be constructed without departing from the essentialcharacteristics of the present invention as claimed. Accordingly, thedrawings and description should not be considered to limit the claims inany way.

FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting an example of a hockey stick having astraight blade, according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B is a diagram depicting an example of a hockey stick having acurved blade, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a top-view diagram illustrating the advantages anddisadvantages of blade curvature according to the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a hockey stick having a splayed blade,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram depicting the use of the splayed blade ofthe present invention for forehand and backhand shots/passes, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram depicting the use of the splayed blade ofthe present invention for forehand and backhand shots/passes, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top-view diagram depicting an alternative embodiment whereinthe area between the splayed sections of the blade is filled in.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is now described more fully with reference to theaccompanying Figures, in which several embodiments of the invention areshown. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will becomplete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in theart.

In the following description, the invention is set forth as a hockeystick blade for ice hockey. However, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the invention can be implemented in other ways as well.For example, the techniques of the present invention can be used inconnection with hockey sticks for other forms of hockey, such as forexample field hockey, roller hockey, street hockey, and the like.References to a “puck” herein are provided for illustrative purposes andfor clarity of description; however, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the hockey stick blade of the present invention can beused for maneuvering a ball or other object, and that the use of theterm “puck” should not be considered to limit the invention in any way.It will be apparent from the description provided herein that many othervariations are possible, and that the particular embodiments set forthherein are intended to be exemplary and not limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown an example of a hockey stick100 having a straight blade 101 according to the prior art. Hockey stick100 includes shaft 102 and blade 101. Hockey stick 100 can be made ofany of a number of different materials, such as wood, aluminum, Kevlar,fiberglass, carbon fiber, other composite materials, and/or anycombination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown an example of a hockey stick100 having a curved blade 101 according to the prior art. Blade 101 maybe curved at the time of manufacture, or it can be bent into the curvedshape after manufacture (for example by heating and shaping it). Asdescribed above, curved blade 101 may provide improved accuracy whenshooting and passing puck 103.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top-view diagram illustratingthe advantages and disadvantages of blade 101 curvature according to theprior art. When shooting puck 103 in a forehand direction (to the right,in FIG. 2), curved blade 101 provides improved accuracy by allowing theplayer to scoop puck 103 and propel it in the desired direction.However, when shooting puck 103 in a backhand direction (to the left, inFIG. 2), curved blade 101 causes unpredictability in the direction ofthe shot, thus hampering the player's ability to make an accurate passor shot. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 2, conventional techniques forcurving blades 101 only act as an advantage for forehand shots andpasses, and are indeed a disadvantage for backhand shots and passes.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a hockey stick 300 having asplayed blade 301, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Blade 301 has two sections 302 that diverge from one another to formcurvature on both sides. This configuration allows a player to reap theadvantages of blade 301 curvature for both forehand and backhand shotsand passes. In one embodiment, splayed blade 301 is formed by splittingblade at the end farthest from shaft 102, forming the two sections 302,and then bending each section 302 to the desired degree of curvature. Inone embodiment, one section 302 can be bent while the other remainsstraight, or the two sections 302 can be bent to different degrees,depending on the player's preference.

In another embodiment, splayed blade 301 is formed by joining togethertwo sections 302. Sections 302 can be curved prior to assembly, or theycan be bent into shape after being joined together. Again, if desired,one section 302 can be bent while the other remains straight, or the twosections 302 can be bent to different degrees, depending on the player'spreference.

In one embodiment, the two sections 302 of splayed blade 301 can becurved according to the player's wishes. The player may decide, forexample, to temporarily curve both sections 302 in the same direction sothat they are no longer splayed, causing blade 301 to function in amanner similar to a conventional blade 101. In one embodiment, theplayer can easily switch between such a conventional arrangement and thesplayed arrangement, by simply changing the curvature of sections 302 asdesired. Such flexibility can be useful, for example, if a player isplaying in different leagues or environments, and wherein the splayedconfiguration is permitted in some situations but not in others.

Sections 302 may be angled independently of one another, as well ascurved, depending on the player's preferences. Thus, a player can shapesections 302 so that they both angle upward slightly, improving theplayer's ability to lift a shot off the ice.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top-view diagram illustratingthe use of splayed blade 301 of the present invention for forehand andbackhand shots/passes, according to one embodiment. When shooting orpassing in the rightward direction, the rightmost section 302 makescontact with puck 103; when shooting or passing in the leftwarddirection, the leftmost section 302 makes contact with puck 103. Thus,whichever direction the player is shooting or passing, the section 302making contact with puck 103 provides advantageous curvature forimproving the speed, accuracy, and stability of the shot or pass.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top-view diagram depicting analternative embodiment wherein the area 501 between splayed sections 302of blade 301 is filled in. Filling in area 501 can provide greaterstability and rigidity to sections 302, and can help avoid unwantedentry of puck 103 into the area between sections 302. Area 501 can befilled with any suitable material, such as moldable-foam packagingmaterial, Styrofoam, any other type of foam, plastic, wood, or the like.The material used to fill in area 501 can be moldable or rigid, or itcan be a material that is initially moldable but becomes rigid. It maybe removable or non-removable. It may be affixed to the inside edges ofsections 302 by glue or some other adhesive, screws, nails, clips, orany other suitable mechanism, or any combination thereof.

Alternatively, the entire blade 301, including blade sections 302 andfilled-in area 501 between them, may be constructed from a single solid(or hollow) block that has been molded, cut, or otherwise shaped. Theblock can be made of wood, plastic, or any other suitable material. Insuch an embodiment, blade 301 can be shaped so that it tapers from awidest portion farthest from shaft 102 to a narrowest portion nearestshaft 102. The tapered edges can be given concave shape so as to providethe desired degree of effective curvature to each edge, as depicted inFIG. 5.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram formin order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential characteristics thereof. For example, the particulararchitectures depicted above are merely exemplary of one implementationof the present invention. In one embodiment, the device of the presentinvention can be used for functions other than the dispensing ofmedication.

The functional elements and method steps described above are provided asillustrative examples of one technique for implementing the invention;one skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementationsare possible without departing from the present invention as recited inthe claims. Likewise, the particular capitalization or naming of themodules, protocols, features, attributes, or any other aspect is notmandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement theinvention or its features may have different names or formats.Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to beillustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which isset forth in the following claims.

1. A hockey stick, comprising: a shaft; and a splayed blade, the splayedblade being attached to one end of the shaft, wherein the splayed bladecomprises two curved sections having curvature opposed to one another.2. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections havesubstantially equal degrees of curvature.
 3. The hockey stick of claim1, wherein the two curved sections have different degrees of curvature.4. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections haveadjustable degrees of curvature.
 5. The hockey stick of claim 4, whereinthe splayed blade is constructed from a malleable material.
 6. Thehockey stick of claim 4, wherein the splayed blade is constructed from amaterial that is malleable when heated. end at which the two curvedsections are attached to one another is proximate to the shaft.
 7. Thehockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections are attached toone another at one end and diverge from one another at an opposite end.8. The hockey stick of claim 7, wherein the end at which the two curvedsections are attached to one another is proximate to the shaft.
 9. Thehockey stick of claim 1, wherein the splayed blade is constructed fromat least one selected from the group consisting of: wood; aluminum;Kevlar; fiberglass; carbon fiber; and a composite material.
 10. Thehockey stick of claim 1, wherein the two curved sections have differingdegrees of curvature with respect to one another.
 11. The hockey stickof claim 1, wherein the hockey stick comprises an ice hockey stick. 12.The hockey stick of claim 1, further comprising: a filler material tofill an area between the two curved sections.
 13. The hockey stick ofclaim 1, wherein the filler material comprises one selected from thegroup consisting of: moldable foam; Styrofoam; foam; plastic; and wood.14. The hockey stick of claim 1, wherein the splayed blade is composedof a block of material having tapered sides forming the two curvedsections.
 15. A method for constructing a hockey stick, comprising:splaying a blade so as to form two sections; shaping the two sections sothat they have curvature opposed to one another; and affixing the bladeto a shaft.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: filling anarea between the two curved sections.
 17. A method for constructing ahockey stick, comprising: forming a blade assembly by affixing twocurved blade sections to one another at one end, so that the bladesections diverge from one another at an opposite end have curvatureopposed to one another; affixing the blade assembly to a shaft.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising: filling an area between the twocurved blade sections.